Jalen Williams’ Strong Return Powers Thunder Past Lakers

LOS ANGELES (Azat TV) – The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 119-110 on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena, securing a significant road victory in the Western Conference. The win was notably propelled by the strong return of Jalen Williams, who scored 23 points, including a crucial 10 points in the fourth quarter, after missing the previous 10 games due to injury.

The Thunder, now holding a 40-13 record and maintaining their position as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, bounced back from two consecutive losses. The Lakers, with a 32-19 record, saw their three-game winning streak snapped despite a competitive effort led by LeBron James and Austin Reaves.

Jalen Williams’ Impactful Return Guides Thunder Victory

Jalen Williams’ presence was immediately felt on the court, providing a much-needed offensive spark for the Thunder, who had struggled in recent games without key players. His 23 points and 3 rebounds underscored his importance to the team’s dynamic offense. Williams’ ability to create shots and drive to the rim was evident throughout the game, culminating in a dominant fourth-quarter performance that sealed the win for Oklahoma City.

Other significant contributions for the Thunder included Isaiah Joe, who ignited the offense early, finishing with 19 points and 3 rebounds. Chet Holmgren recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the floor. Cason Wallace also added 10 points and 2 steals, contributing to OKC’s defensive pressure and transition game.

Game Flow and Key Performances in Lakers vs. Thunder

The game began with a tight first quarter, ending 31-30 in favor of the Thunder, with Austin Reaves leading the Lakers’ initial charge off the bench. By halftime, Oklahoma City had extended its lead to 67-58, largely due to Isaiah Joe’s early scoring prowess and the Lakers’ struggles with ball security.

The Lakers mounted a comeback in the third quarter, at one point outscoring the Thunder 29-15 and taking an 87-82 lead with just over four minutes left in the frame. LeBron James was instrumental during this period, demonstrating his vintage ‘bully-ball’ and playmaking abilities to shift momentum. However, the Thunder managed to regain composure, finishing the third quarter with a narrow 93-91 lead.

In the crucial fourth quarter, Jalen Williams took over, scoring 10 points to ensure the Thunder maintained their advantage and secured the 119-110 victory. Despite strong individual performances from Lakers players, including Austin Reaves’ consistent scoring and playmaking, Los Angeles could not overcome the Thunder’s collective effort and Williams’ late-game heroics.

Western Conference Standings and Injury Report

The matchup between the No. 1 seed Thunder and the No. 5 seed Lakers carried significant implications for the Western Conference playoff picture. The Thunder entered the game having lost their previous two contests without star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who remained out with an abdominal strain. Other Thunder players sidelined included Ajay Mitchell, Thomas Sorber, and Nikola Topić, all recovering from various injuries.

For the Lakers, key absences included Luka Doncic due to a left hamstring strain and Adou Thiero with a right MCL sprain. Deandre Ayton was listed as probable with right knee soreness. Despite these injuries on both sides, the game remained a highly anticipated contest between two formidable Western Conference contenders.

The Thunder’s ability to secure a road win against a strong Lakers squad, particularly with Jalen Williams making such a decisive impact in his return and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined, highlights their depth and resilience as a top contender in the Western Conference this season.